Cook County SWCD Plant Sale
PICK UP DATE: June 4th - 10am-2pm
·
Preorders close May 17th
·
Choose COOK COUNTY PLANT SALE as your pick up option
·
PICK UP DATE: June 4th - 10am-2pm · Preorders close May 17th · Choose COOK COUNTY PLANT SALE as your pick up option ·
EVENT DETAILS:
Select Cook SWCD Plant Sale as your pick up location when finalizing your order.
Pick up location: Search and Rescue Garage behind the Cook County Community Center. 604 4th Ave. W.
Pick up date and time: Thursday, June 4, 2026 - 10am-2pm
Orders must be picked up by 2pm. Make arrangements with someone else to pick up your order if needed. Orders not picked up on June 4 by 2pm will be returned to Shoreview and held 1 week for pickup.
Not sure where to start? We’re here to help!
-
Plan Your Garden
Choosing the right location is one of the most important steps in establishing a successful native plant garden. Start by evaluating the current vegetation and the site’s history. Areas that are currently turf grass or have been regularly maintained and managed for weeds are typically the easiest places to convert, as they usually have fewer persistent weed problems and a lower weed seed bank in the soil.
In general, selecting a location with minimal weed pressure and a manageable history will reduce preparation time and increase the likelihood of successful native plant establishment.
Once you know where your garden is going to go think about the conditions of your space. It is Dry or Wet? Sunny or Shady? What are the goals?
-
Prepare Your Garden Space
1. Smothering
Our preferred method of site prep involves laying down black plastic over the planting area to smother and kill existing vegetation. This can take from 2 months to 1 or 2 full seasons.
Example timeline: Install plastic in mid-May → Ready to plant by mid-July.
An alternative to smothering is digging up existing vegetation—including all roots. Roots can resprout if not completely removed.
2. Remove Black Plastic, Compost & Till
Once the vegetation under the plastic is completely dead, remove the plastic. Adding a layer of compost and lightly tilling it into the ground will helps plants establish more quickly.
3. Mulch
Add 1-2 inches of shredded hardwood mulch or use a biodegradable weed suppressant mat to control weeds.
-
Pick Out Your Garden Kit or Individual Plants
Visit the link to our garden kits or individual flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs to start shopping.
Find a garden kit matches your site conditions and goals. Garden kits now include 8 packs (48 plants instead of 36) to make pickup easier and more efficient — reflected in this year’s pricing.
You can also shop individual species and explore our plant filters. Use the filters to look for plants that match your site conditions or goals.
-
Pick Up Your Order!
Select Cook SWCD Plant Sale as your pick up location when finalizing your order.
Orders will be picked up at the Search and Rescue Garage behind the Cook County Community Center.
604 4th Ave. W. Grand Marais
Thursday, June 4, 2026
10am-2pm
NOW IT’S TIME TO PLANT! Check out the link below for more information about how to plant, care for and maintain your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you recommend planting and caring for the garden? Here’s a link to all of that information.
Can I place orders after May 17? No, but you can shop at the Shoreview Natives retail store or place an order online and choose from the pick up options that are available at checkout.
What if I can’t pick up my order during the pick up window? Please make arrangements for someone to pick up your order if you can’t do it yourself. Orders that aren’t picked up will be held at the Shoreview Natives retail store for 1 week.
What will my order look like when I pick it up? Standard garden kits will have 8 6 packs in a tray. Trays measure 11”x21”. Each 6 pack will have a label with plant information.
Who can I talk to about questions I still have? You can email, call or text Jen at the greenhouse or you can visit the retail store and talk to our knowledgeable staff.
How do you recommend planting and caring for the garden? Here’s a link to all of that information.
